Oake disappeared from underneath a blanket on a platform on the stage and reappeared down below, causing Cowell to say: "It's really difficult to guess how you did that, you've got an incredible stage presence, and it's believable."

Holden said: "You are such a pro, you did that like you have your own show."

And Dixon said: "I think you're brilliant."

Clegg delighted the audience with his impressions, which included hosts Ant and Dec.

Cowell said: "It was fantastic, you had the audience in the palm of your hand. It was clever, normally I don't know who half the people are, your Dec was brilliant, seriously good."

Dec complained: "I don't know why you do me so camp."

There was controversy over Christian Spridon, a waiter living in London who had won the support of judge David Walliams earlier in the competition. Walliams chose him as his golden buzzer act.

Spridon performed The Weather Girls' I t's Raining Men, leading Dixon to say: "It was so out of tune it's ridiculous."

Holden said: "The Eurovision Song Contest was about two weeks ago. You probably would have done well in that competition, I don't consider you are going to do well in this one."

Cowell said: "You are a nice guy but that was by far the worst vocal we've ever had in this competition, and that says a lot for David's taste."

However Walliams said: "You are a born star. Alesha made a career miming" at which point Dixon said: " Excuse me, you are barking up the wrong tree there" - and poured a glass of water over his head.

Walliams later said: "I was nearly electrocuted, so for me it was a tough night."